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BAHRAIN’S fashionistas have such strong views on 21st Century style they are sharing their thoughts with the world, influencing people and linking together to create a thriving online community.
Already nine of the most popular bloggers have joined up for an anniversary celebration of their work at the Kempinski Hotel in Bahrain City Centre.
Amongst them was Shabana Feroze, 26, a freelance image consultant, from Saar, and founder of www.thesilverkickdiaries.blogspot.com. She started blogging last year to share her thoughts on how to put together the perfect outfit for any occasion and said: “I usually get complimented on my outfits and how I put different ‘looks’ together.
“I realised over time there are a lot of people that want to dress-up but might struggle with the combinations. My site shows men and women that it’s really not difficult to put an outfit together and you really don’t need to have much money to do it either. It’s all about mixing and matching, having a few basic pieces and putting them together.
“I believe that many designers and people in the fashion industry turn to us bloggers for real feedback from everyday people.”
Bahraini-Puerto Rican fellow blogger, Reem Bu Qais, 22, from Saar, recently celebrated the first anniversary of her site www.2broads1city.blogspot.com which she originally started with her Columbian college friend Nikki Cossion in Tampa Florida whilst studying in the US.
They are both moving to New York shortly and Reem will pursue her dreams of becoming a big-time designer after enrolling at the celebrated US Fashion Institute of Technology.
She said: “I think our blogs are essential to the industry because many designers look to us for our opinions and reviews.
“Consumers do get feedback, but bloggers constantly get followers with different opinions so it’s like having a larger survey.
“I like to think fashion bloggers pay attention to the trends and are always in ‘the know’. If a new collection is released or a designer is unveiled you will be amazed at how quickly news travels … and that’s thanks to us.”
For example, American fashion publicist and television personality, Kelly Cutrone, has gone on record stating that she doesn’t only monitor editors of mainstream magazines, such as Vogue and Elle, but now needs to ‘keep an eye’ on fashion bloggers around the world.
Ms Cutrone said that when bloggers post opinions on the internet it often becomes the first thing that the designers spot.
The ‘blogoshpere’ has indeed opened up many doors for the fashion industry, one of which is allowing ordinary people to partake in the ‘elite’ fashion world.
Another Bahraini blogger, Mai Al Moayyed, 26, a banker from Riffa, uses the internet to express her love of make-up. She started her blog www.themakeupmanual.com last June and in less than a year has become a hit and an essential part of the daily routine of scores of Bahraini women.
She said: “I blog about make-up – it’s my obsession, passion and addiction. Basically, my blog is a ‘make-up manual’ to help all the girls out there. I provide tips and tricks on how to use specific products and what not to do when it comes to make-up.
“I started this blog after realising that Bahraini women love make-up as it boosts their confidence and self-esteem … but many don’t know a thing about it. I noticed before I started that there were no Bahraini make-up bloggers to educate Bahraini women.
“I want to pass the message to women: simple make-up is always better, never over do it. Define your strong facial features by making them stand out beautifully, without over the top colours.
“I work closely with my followers as I believe communicating with them is very important. I love to help them in anything they need and I hope to help more women solve their make-up problems and make them feel even more confident.”
Miss Al Moayyed reviews products with pictures and colour swatches on her blog, includes photo tutorials and recently started offering video tutorials.
The fashion bloggers revealed their top five fashion and make-up staples for this year and they consider leather leggings and brightly-coloured eye shadow matching your outfit so very … yesterday, darling.
